Life Day Among the Falling Petals

[Dax Perl]

​

No one saw them coming. Hardly anyone knew they'd existed except for the few who had visited the Firefist Galaxy. Like those of the Gossamer. Like Dax. Like [member="Kimiko"]. Kimiko. It had been far too long since Dax had seen his beautiful wife. Or heard her sweet voice. Unfortunately, their's would not be the happiest of reunions. Now with the Sharukans razing the western reaches of ORC space. But that wasn't Dax's greatest concern right now. Getting his daughter to safety was. Beside the Rogue Master, Saya, the little Zeltron girl, played with her toys as Dax watched with tired eyes. They should be arriving to Akarui soon. It had been a long flight. But not long enough, not a long enough respite from the troubles of the galaxy.

The Rogue rose from where he was and moved to the cockpit of the Revenant. The Grand Marshall had left the Azalea back at the Western Front, the Razer-Class Frigate far more useful there than ferrying Dax and Saya around. Besides, the Revenant was more than up to the task. "Grand Marshall Fyre requesting permission to land." he said as he guided the Corvette down through the atmosphere. "Permission granted, welcome home Marshall. Shall I notify the Empress?" Dax smiled for a moment. Empress. That's right, Ki really was empress of her homeplanet. Well, he hoped she didn't expect him to go around calling her 'M'lady' all the time. "No thanks, I'd like to surprise her."
"Very well, sir."

---

Saya was being carried in Dax's arms on their way up to the palace. Sure she could walk now, but the long trek up would've been a challenge for the small girl. It wasn't the first time Saya had visited Akarui. But she was too young to remember the first. She probably wouldn't remember this visit either. Despite that Saya looked at the remarkable architecture in wonder, her mouth agape, arms outsretched babbling the few words she knew. Dax couldn't help but chuckle, "That's right Saya, this is your mama's home. Excited to see mama? What about your brothers and sisters?" The little girl only giggled and tugged on her father's face.

Dax wasn't immediately recognized when he'd first stepped inside the palace. In fact, upon seeing his sabers and slugthrower, several of the Royal Guard had rushed at him, ready to run him through. Thankfully, one of the servants who had been passing by did recognize him. The servant girl quickly told the guards who Dax was and they let him through. He asked the woman to guide her to his wife and she complied happily. Once there she left him quietly. Dax slowly and quietly opened the doors and set Saya down who immediately destroyed their stealthy approach running at Ki and jumping at her, wrapping herself around the Kitsune's legs, "Mama!"

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

A heavy sigh escape Ki's lips as the path about the grounds continued about before her. She was currently listening idly to the ramblings of some advisor whose name escaped her. He was apparently going on about the recent influx of off-worlders who had come to assist in modernizing the planet. Ki had done her best, along with her cadre, in keeping all the commotion contained and orderly. But a recent string of thefts had started to sway some of the isolationist hard-liners against it.

Their meeting was interrupted as a runner from the guards rushed into the courtyard and began reporting animatedly to the head of Ki's personal escort. He quickly approached after dismissing the messenger.

"Pardon the intrusion Your Majesty, but it appears as if you have a visitor." he dutifully spoke with a bow of the head.

Ki perked up, newly invigorated by the news, and quickly dismissed herself from the meeting and speed-walked in the direction the runner came from. Her guards followed, just behind, as she came into view of the main entryway. Her eyes lit up as she spied her husband and adopted daughter, and her heart soared as Saya dashed at her.

"Saya!" she proclaimed, scooping the girl up and ran the rest of the distance to Dax, quickly moving for an embrace she missed dearly,"Dax! I've missed you darling!"

[member="Dax Fyre"]

 

[Dax Perl]

Saya wrapped her arms around her mother's neck and clung to her tightly, her little arms almost choking the woman as she ran towards Dax. The Rogue embraced his wife as she reached him and told him how she missed him. The Rogue cupped the woman's cheek and leaned down, placing his lips on hers. As much as Dax wanted to sit like that forever, he broke the kiss, "I've missed you too sweetheart."

The Rogue took his wife's hand and gestured for her to lead the way to wherever it was she needed to go. "So," he began, "how goes the empress-ing?" he asked as Saya, finally satisfied with her hugs, began playing with Ki's ears, tugging and batting them about, smiling as she did so.

[member="Kimiko"]

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

Ki smiled, warmed by the intimate exchange, and allowing Saya free reign over her. Their hands entwined, she led them off into the castle, guard shadowing their path.

A distance away, she sighed deeply at the question,"Its...frustrating to say the least. All the problems, old and new, have been non-stop. The people have not been idle, even though the coronation has yet to happen." she chuckled and began petting Saya's head,"Look at me, been together not even an hour and I'm rambling. How have you been? How has the war been?" she looked at Dax with concerned eyes.

She knew of the conflict on the fringes of ORC space well. Her desire to join and fight burned bright and openly most days. But, as her advisors, both Akaran and not, had kept her here, where she was needed.

But it never stopped her worry...

[member="Dax Fyre"]

 

[Dax Perl]

Dax listened to his lover's woes as they walked, not missing the politics of ruling. Thankfully, being regent of a little known, little traveled with self governing tribes had its perks. All he had to do was make sure they weren't at each others throats, a colossal undertaking at times, but admittedly far better than what Ki had to put up with. At Ki's apologize, Dax smiled, "It's fine love, I like listening to you. As for the war..." the Marshal's grip on Ki's hand unconsciously tightened as he spoke, giving away just as much as his words, "things aren't good. If the First Order are disciplined, then the Sharukan's are spartan. We've lost Thral. They're moving through the western front, Saijo's next...Won Shasot's gone..." Through the tightened jaw and gritted teeth, it was clear Dax was struggling, both with this new foe and his own failings. They'd never expected an attack from outside the galaxy, he'd thought deep within the Coalition his people would be safe, and that he could let his own guard down. Oh, how wrong he had been.

[member="Kimiko"]

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

Her grip tightened around his hand as he went on on the updates, petting Saya's head with the other hand. The little girl seemed oblivious to the woes of her parents.

"I'm sorry love..." she managed pitifully, looking with equally sad eyes.

Ki then attempted to steer the conversation to a happier conclusion,"I might be anchored here, but that doesn't mean I can't send help. The first of the Akaran forces are ready to deploy. There may not be much of them, but, anything I could give could help. Please, take the Cyaron and Lily White, loaded with what Marines and Sentinels are ready to fight. It's not much...but, it's what I can do." a meager smile, hoping to quell anymore worries.

[member="Dax Fyre"]

 

[Dax Perl]

Dax gave the fox-woman a small smile as she offered her own forces to help with the conflict. What'd he ever do to deserve such a giving woman? The Rogue gave his wife a quick kiss before saying, "Thanks Ki. We could use the help. Be careful though, for all we know they could hit here too. Its not like our outer-borders are well defended." Saya had begun to tug on his sleeve, indicating she wanted to be carried again, so Dax briefly released Ki's hand to hoist the little Zeltron into his arm before continuing on. "But enough about the war. I came to see my family. How're the kids doing? Oh and is Chika or any of the crew looking to kill me being away from you all for so long? Just asking so I can...you know...hide."

[member="Kimiko"]

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

Ki beamed, excited perhaps, for who knows what reasons. But, that would all soon come to light.

She did chuckle softly,"Oh, no need to worry dear, Chika and a majority of the crews are all over the system. The projects I have ordered into being are in full-swing." a dramatic pause,"I have the entire populace mobilized to get this place up to Galactic standards. I have tons of help here as well."

After another moment, she looked up as if searching,"Most of them are on one of the moons, or Hikaru seeing to preparations. I hope to make the system a stronghold," her tails wagged enthusiastically as she spoke,"Tsubasa is currently training the first class of pilots and Oji is running his caretakers up the walls probably."

[member="Dax Fyre"]

 

[Dax Perl]

Dax breathed an exaggerated sigh of relief at the news that Chika and the others were off-world. At least now he wouldn't have to listen to Chika yell his ear off about him needing to be here more often.

"Damn, that's quite an undertaking." the Rogue remarked, puzzling over Ki's overly-excited expression. "Sound's like you've got your hands full. Sorry I can't really help as much on that front." The news about the children, however, brought a grin to Dax's face, "I dunno who Tsubasa got her knack for flying from, but I gotta meet them someday and shake their hand...and then race them...girl's absolutely remarkable. And teaching at her age? Makes me feel old," he chuckled. "Speaking of Oji, maybe we should take Saya and leave her with him and the Caretakers. Its been a while since they've seen each other I'm sure they'll have fun doing...whatever it is that tiny beings do."

[member="Kimiko"]

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

A soft smile,"I have a better idea." she turned and called out to her guard,"Lieutenant, would you please escort Princess Saya to Yazawa?" she asked nicely.

But the young guard officer bowed and accepted it as an order with a deep bow,"Yes, Your Majesty, at once." to which he swiftly, yet gently accepted Saya and headed off in the direction of the caretaker's quarters.

Ki turned back to Dax, mischievous smirk on her face,"Come love! Let's tour the palace grounds and then the city tonight. Enjoy this time we have." Before the war rips you from me again.

[member="Dax Fyre"]

 

[Dax Perl]

Dax handed his daughter off to the guard and knelt down beside her before she was escorted away, "Alright, be good for Yazawa, and have fun with your siblings. If you're good Mommy and Daddy might have a present for you when we come back, kay?" The small Zeltron nodded vigorously before throwing her arms tightly around Dax's neck in a hug and then running over to Ki and doing the same. As she followed the lieutenant away, she skipped happily, whether it was the prospect of a present or spending time with her little brother, Dax couldn't guess. Knowing Saya, it was probably both.

The Rogue stood with a soft groan, "Oh, I'm getting old." Dax turned to look at his wife and noted her trademark smile that said she had something planned, "Uh huh. Palace and city. Whatcha got up your sleeve hun?" the Rogue asked as he took his wife's hand in his.

[member="Kimiko"]

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

She genuinely laughed as her arm entwined with his and snuggled up,"Oh, do you not trust your wife when all she wants is a bit of time? I am offended." Ki played in mock hurt, her ears and tails not playing along.

"The countryside is covered in snow this time of year. It is pretty. I want you too see it." she looked up pleading, buying all the time she could.

[member="Dax Fyre"]

 

[Dax Perl]

"Now now, I didn't say I didn't trust you. I just meant that I might be sore for like a week knowing you." the Rogue laughed as the two walked together, side by side. In an almost a decade of knowing [member="Kimiko"], Dax could count on his hand the number of times they'd gotten to spend time like this together, let alone walk side by side, arms entwined. If he had his way, he'd not let go, not in this lifetime.

"The countryside is covered in snow this time of year. It is pretty, I want you to see it." she said, eyes almost begging as she looked up at him. How could he say no? "Of course love. Actually...come to think of it I don't think I've ever seen proper snow. Other than Hoth or Ilium, but those are ice worlds, with the harsh cold." he said as he let her guide him forward.

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

Ki perked up,"Perfect! This was actually my first time as well. The Akarans celebrate the coming of winter. They have been holding the most darling of festivals." she gasped and turned to him expectantly,"We should go see one! You would love it. So much food, and music, and then, they end the night with fireworks! It's beautiful." she sounded like a child herself as she talked animatedly.

[member="Dax Fyre"]

 

[Dax Perl]

The loving smile on Dax’s face as he watched his wife gush over the winter festival said it all. Whatever it was she wanted, she had it. The man was completely, and utterly whipped. “Food, music, fireworks with the most beautiful woman in the galaxy? I’d be a fool to say no,” he stated as they walked along the path, “So why exactly is the coming of winter so special?” he asked curiously. There were few holidays that he knew of that were centered around the season itself, and besides, it would be good to get to know the culture of his wife's planet.

[member="Kimiko"]

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

A blush. A shrug. And hugging closer were all she answered with followed by several moments of silence.

"They do say, it is a holiday for loved ones and friends, to spend a special night together." pausing for a moment only to lean harder against Dax's shoulder,"I have been to the one outside the palace walls a few times. I can't wait to show you."

[member="Dax Fyre"]

 

[Dax Perl]

The Rogue pulled the Fox closer to him as they walked. "Been a long time since we've gotten to have one of those," he said before giving her a quick kiss on the top of the head, "Does it go all day? Are we gonna have to catch a ride? We could always take the swoop bike." Even if [member="Kimiko"] couldn't see it outwardly, Dax was excited. Excited to be home, with his family. Excited to be away from the fighting, even if it was only for a day or two.

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

"It has been some time love and no worries, it is within walking distance from the grounds." it took her a second or two to come a realization of sorts, deadpanning once it hit her and her whipped up to him with panic in her eyes,"Oh dear! Today is the last day! We must get going!"

Without skipping a beat, Ki took off, her royal robes fluttering behind her along with her tails. Dragging her husband along playfully. There was fun to be had!

[member="Dax Fyre"]

 

[Dax Perl]

To say Ki was 'dragging' Dax along was no exaggeration. She was quite literally dragging him, at least for the first few strides until the poor man regained his footing. For such a small woman, she was remarkably strong. "Feth! Ki! Wait!" he shouted as he scrambled onto his feet and began to run besides her, "You're gonna kill me one day, I swear." he said as he caught up to her. The Rogue was sure that they were going to be turning some heads, the Empress running alongside an offworlder like bats out of hell. But who cared?...Well no one, as long as no one mistook him for some crazy offworlder out to assassinate their Empress...which would be a rather poor attempt an assassination to begin with.

[member="Kimiko"]

 

[Kimiko Taiyou]

The run was quite enjoyable...for all but the royal guards. Most, who recognized what was happening, sighed and began leisurely following their charge. None would be reprimanded, for this sort of event happened often.

Their laughter could be heard echoing throughout the halls, followed closely by their footsteps. Guards stationed in the halls and other palace staff and guests bowed before continuing on their own, smiling at Ki's antics.

It didn't take them long to reach the gates, where the escorting guards were already formed up and waiting. They did not look pleased. Ki laughed as the gates opened,"Shall we love? And don't mind them, my protection is their sworn duty."

[member="Dax Fyre"]